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Victoria hires first emergency management inspector-general

The state of Victoria, Australia, announced the appointment last week of Tony Pearce as its first inspector-general for emergency management, which is a part of the state's emergency management reforms.

Kim Wells, the minister for police and emergency services and bushfire response, welcomed Pearce to the position, according to a press release from the premier of Victoria's office.

"Mr. Pearce has broad experience in emergency management and is widely respected within the sector in Victoria, Australia and internationally," Wells said. "The inspector-general's work will help ensure the government and the community have confidence in the state's emergency management arrangements. I congratulate Mr. Pearce on his appointment and look forward to working positively with him in his new role."

Pearce previously served as the director general of Emergency Management Australia, where he coordinated the government's response to international and domestic emergencies. He previously worked as the deputy commissioner in the office of Victoria's emergency services commissioner.

Wells said that Peace will operate independently of Victoria's emergency management department to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement.

The inspector-general position is a part of Victoria's emergency management reforms, which were brought on by a white paper on emergency management developed by the Victorian Coalition Government.

"Alongside the creation of Emergency Management Victoria, our reforms will facilitate further interoperability between emergency management agencies and bolster resilience within the community," Wells said.

Peace will replace Clint Saarinen, who was acting inspector-general since July 1.